Category: Blog-Soulful Living

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At Home in the Midst

This warm winter morning beckoned me for a walk, surrounded by woods, fields, and nature’s creatures.

I noticed a thick mist ahead and felt the pull of my desire to be within the white. Lost in thought, headed into the milkiness, I approached my destination only to discover that my sight was clear. The experience I expected did not manifest.

In momentary confusion, I looked back to see that the road upon which I travelled was now obscured. 



The mist touched every place but the circle in which I stood. I paused for a moment to breathe in the moist, still air. I engaged the present moment and the clarity it offered. Blind to what was behind or in front of me, I realized the benefit of clear sight when I was present, aware, and engaged with my body and my environment.

When I consciously joined the moment I was standing in, clarity arrived.

I’ve heard that sage advice many times: “be here now.” Yet, how often have I traipsed through my days trailing behind my mind which was peering into a murky future? Or getting lost in the mental mist of memory reconsolidated?

I took the opportunity to look into the forest, alive with a melodic stream, busy birds, and scampering squirrels.

Apparently, while I was cocooning indoors, the natural world had been actively preparing for Her perfectly timed reemergence. I don’t know why I was surprised that tiny seedlings had grown into small pine trees. Or by the evidence of greenery, flowing water, and new life everywhere. Perhaps the snow and persistent gray February skies in New Jersey had dulled my senses and distorted my memory.

Nature has always demonstrated how capable She partners with the evolutionary impulse.

Years of sitting, playing, and meandering in Nature have revealed so many wisdom lessons. I never had to look far to witness the emergence of Her latest work of art. Throughout cycles of seeding, nourishing, emerging, blossoming, and deteriorating, the natural world’s creative unfoldment has always been trustworthy. Laying down a Map of Wisdom for those with eyes to see and senses to clearly perceive the harmonious movement of Life.

Yet, Nature doesn’t need an audience to do Her thing.

She seeds, grows, dies, and rests to a rhythm so persistently harmonious. Nature’s emergence isn’t dependent upon social media “likes” nor does it require those seeking fresh air to stop and smell the roses. That’s why Nature’s wisdom is easy to miss. Especially when closed away in our homes, busy schedules, and distracted lifestyles.

As I walked, I pondered Life’s innate potential for perennial growth and the creation of beautiful spaces.

My sight was clear, as was my mind. Walking with my body, rather than racing ahead or lagging behind, a revelation emerged. It seemed new, like a seedling breaking through the soil, rather than an old intellectual understanding.

I, too, was a natural phenomenon.

 

Imbued with an innate ability to grow effortlessly and create beautifully in every cycle and season. 

Alert and aware, I recognized that I could walk blindly through the obscurification of a distracted life. Or choose to pause within any moment and breathe myself back into my body and the space it inhabited. I felt a subtle shift with that awareness.

As if my quantum substructure rearranged into new flowing patterns of harmonious light.

Honoring my innate trustworthy nature would allow me step out of my murky mind mist and show up within the midst of this Holy Moment. With Nature’s gentle reminder, I became more aware of myself as a trustworthy participant within this evolutionary process.

Relaxed and aware, I walked slowly within these natural, magical surroundings.

Gazing at the milky whiteness before me, I stayed present to the crisp clarity all around me. With ears to hear, I enjoyed the rustle of the wind and the crunch of tiny feet upon the leaves. I imagined tiny shoots of green just below the surface, biding their time and gathering their energy, before sneaking up toward the light. And I remembered what I have known all along.

I was at home in the midst. 


Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Nearly all of Ethiopia’s old growth forest has disappeared. This film tells the story of Ethiopia’s church forests.  They are pockets of lush biodiversity that surround hundreds of churches. Consciously created with people working to protect them. This short film tells the story of The Church Forests of Ethiopia. Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fGe-CPWZlE&feature=youtu.be

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Modeling without a Runway

I was at the hair salon (wearing my mask) and noticed the Victoria Secret fashion show playing on the flat screen.

I watched the show and looked at the salon crowd. Teens to seniors, mostly female, I couldn’t find anyone who looked like those models. Granted, it was not a fair comparison, as no one in the salon was in high heels and underwear.

Why were we watching this program?

I thought of my chats with hundreds of teenage girls, many of whom compared themselves to the models, youtubers, and performers they knew. Guess what? They couldn’t see the similarity either.

Here’s the problem: these wonderful young women all concluded the same thing. They were coming up short.

There was no consideration for a cultural norm of beauty that does not represent the population.Or that there are makeup artists, hair stylists, professional photographers, personal trainers, and air brushing involved.

The difficulty in our culture is that so many role models in the media are limited to their visual persona.

This just doesn’t translate to the lives of ordinary folks. The truth is, none of the ladies I’ve spoken with could have possibly come up short. They all broadcast beauty, kindness, intelligence, and talent. It often takes another person to see the loveliness of others. And humans are really good at dismissing another’s perspective – especially if it doesn’t match the cultural image of the time.

So, how do we create sturdy children who are able to own and celebrate their unique beauty, strengths, intelligence, and talents?

Especially with the influence of social media woven throughout every aspect of our culture? I think it is time for parents, grandparents, older siblings, teachers, coaches, and neighbors to hit the runway. Now before you get nervous about the idea of high heels, make up, and underwear, take a breath.

Ask yourself, “What am I modeling for young people?”

The author Robert Fulghum drops some wisdom with his famous statement: “Don’t worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.” What are you identifying as important and living as a “professional model?” Remember, children learn what they live.

Modeling without a runway certainly doesn’t include airbrushing. It’s real, raw, and imperfect.

Actions speak louder than words. This invites you to lay down the teaching and preaching, and get really clear about who you are and how you live in the world. What are you really “saying” about personal attributes, love and respect, environmental awareness, approach to education, social attitudes, physical health, or playtime?

Conscious modeling involves increasing awareness of Who you Are and How you Live in the world.

 

And it isn’t only the young ones who are watching you.

Everyone may adjust a view of self based on the models who show up. Of course, this goes beyond visual representation. You get inspired by demonstrations of brilliance, kindness, courage, and creativity. Growing older, you may become more conscious of who and what you are letting inform you. However, most learning continues to be influenced by early modeling and creation of ideas of how the world works and your place in it.

It takes work to notice yourself as both as an influential model and a consumer of what’s offered on the “runway.”

I’m a big fan of beautiful questions which may expand your awareness, if you let them. Seeking to yourself and move toward the higher ideal of how you ‘be’ in the world. If you are serious about your role as a model for the generations that come after you, ask yourself these questions.

Or create your own.

Write it down in a journal, on your calendar or screen saver, or post it on your bathroom mirror. Contemplate this question and see what gems of insight and opportunity arise.

Self-awareness is a beautiful art to cultivate.

How are you helping to cultivate a spirit of generosity, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness in yourself? What are you doing to grow new neural pathways? Translation – how are you learning something new, encouraging your curiosity, and expressing your creativity?

What practical action are you taking to support the environment, help others move toward sustainable living, or beautify the life of another who is suffering? How are you demonstrating acceptance of your own fallibility and the making of mistakes with humility, humor, and the desire to make another go at it?
Where are you modeling respect for others whether they be similar or different, older or younger, pleasant or obnoxious? How are you demonstrating practical tools to manage the stress of daily living in good times and bad?

I did mention I’m a fan of Beautiful Questions as a path to greater self awareness. I’m on a roll.

How are you growing your connection to a Divine Source or the idea of something larger than yourself? What are you doing to enrich your enjoyment of your relationships with yourself and others? When are you trying on the perspective of another in order to deeply understand rather than judge, condemn, or dismiss?
How are you questioning authority, even your own, in order to adopt beliefs, values, and ideas that you choose as your guiding light?

How are questions of meaning, actions of purpose, and movement toward healing replacing addictive routines and habits that limit growth?

When are you holding honest conversations, even when they hurt, and seeking to live authentically, even in the privacy of your own mind and heart? When are you allowing yourself to rest or cry when you need to? How are you liking yourself and enjoying how you look and live?

Forget the runway, high heels, and underwear.

And remember that you are a model during your waking moments to the child within all of us. This may be the most important work you do on this planet. Get clear about who you choose to be. That will inform the kind of modeling you live.

Lights. Camera. Action. We’re all watching.

 

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

During COVID, remember this.  Research speaks of the importance of human  connection for health, well being, and longevity.  The most important indicators of longevity are a few close relationships and touching lots of people (eg, shopkeeper, neighbor, barista).  In these times, let’s expand how we “touch” another.  Reach out more than you’re used to – a letter, a phone call, a video call. Humans benefit from hearing voices and seeing faces.  Even if you are watching a recorded program or are a passive witness on a ZOOM class, it’s helpful.  Adapt this idea to your circumstances.  It’s worth reaching out, even past your comfort zone.

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Blunders and (future) Burdens


Yesterday taught me something valuable.

After an enjoyable and long day of working, I tuned into the highlights of the inaugural ceremonies and celebration. I’m aware of the potential of any significant change, such as a transfer of leadership, to raise or lower the human capacity to live well.

Curious about the prevailing message of the day, I surfed the highlights.

Grateful for freedom to choose what I watched on youtube, granting me the ability to avoid the “noise” of commentary. I saw evidence of a transfer of leadership – peaceful, solemn, joyous, determined. Historic for many reasons, including welcoming a woman of color as vice president. I watched the live evening events focused upon new opportunities, the need for repair, the goodness of people, and the benefit of serving one another.

Promoting the capacity to live and work well, together as a human family sharing a country.

To honor one another and those who have suffered. To reach for one another so that they may know to reach back. To commit to finding a way to tend, mend, and grow. To step up and sing together. To begin to continue to complex work of bridging instead of dividing people.

Words, actions, and songs reflecting the need for love, caring, and respect.

And sure, we need lots of intelligence, fortitude, courage, and faith in our capacity to rise to every challenge. All of this may be familiar as rhetoric so often heard in political speeches and well orchestrated programs designed to inspire unity within a county. And to call forth the agreement that some grit is required if true transformation is to occur.

I also wondered about those too angry or disheartened to tune in.

I thought of those I know who think very differently than me. About people who resist the new ideas, with these leaders’ underlying and far reaching ideals. Who feel threatened by what is to come and are disheartened by this new direction. I felt the potential for more division, more derision, and more misunderstanding.

And then a young woman poetically reminded us that our blunders are the next generations’ burdens.

Oh. A realization emerged. I speak of bridging while I remain divided. I’m okay with having a stance. I express my disagreement or condemnation of those ideas, ideals, actions, and rhetoric which I believe dehumanize people and divide us. With clarity, it leads me to action which aligns with my beliefs. And I’m okay with you having a stance.

I’m doing the same as everyone else here, regardless of “side.”

Today I was grateful to have some conversations with people on both sides. Some were happy. Some were wounded. Insulted. Disheartened. I sought to understand and learned that flames had been fanned by a deep insult. Grouping everyone together on one side and labeling them in a certain way. A group is not an individual. For her, it simply wasn’t true. 

“I want peace.” was the plaintive cry. I heard her pain.

My actions align with my beliefs. Or do they? If I speak with derision of someone’s lack of respect in how they conduct themselves, am I not disrespectful? If I make fun of another whom I disagree with, even on core fundamental beliefs, aren’t I diminishing their personhood? And on and on these questions arose.

Revealing my blunders. Contributing to the future ….. burdens that I scatter about mindlessly by my actions.

I’m mostly surrounded by people who think similarly to me. People interested in personal transformation. Spiritual seekers and yogis. Humanitarians. Those committed to bringing light, harmony, and improved conditions for humanity and the planet.

So, it’s easy to miss the obvious.

Disrespect is disrespect.


There is a way to express a difference of opinion or belief with consideration for the other.

To condone an action and take a different route in response without demonizing those you oppose. A 16 year old told me recently that she stopped going on Tik Tok so frequently. What used to be clever, entertaining, and funny had turned mean. She was so over the meanness of social media. That wasn’t fun nor funny.

Mean humor is deprecating.

Disparaging another human, even when their behavior is abhorrent to you, disparages all humans. You know this. So do I. I’m not trying to preach to the choir of good people wanting to be better people and improve the world. I want that. I know you do also. And I enjoy a good laugh at the expense of myself and my fellow, fallible humans like the rest of us.

But, a new dawn can’t bloom without me (and you).

I heard a call to action last night. To be a better human. To start in the mirror and within my deeply seeded conditioned beliefs. To notice how easy it is to disrespect another without consciously intending that result. And to see how it is okay to do so in those circles who think like me.

Hmmmmn. Maybe I’m not so different than those I judge.

And maybe my first bridge to be built is within.

(Blunders and burdens inspired by Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem. Let the young wisely lead us forward.)

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Good News, Wise Strategies, and Reasons to Be Cheerful. When you are in need of restoration, solutions, and a general pick me up, seek those sources which uplift. And point the way to inspired solutions. There is plenty of good in the world. Plenty of people using heart, innovation, and compassion to improve things. Here are two of my favorite places to be inspired, celebrate the good, and seek positive strategies. The Greater Good Science Center at Cal Berkley offers the Greater Good Magazine. David Byrne of Talking Heads fame sends out a Reasons to be Cheerful Blog. There’s just so much good in this amazing world. Seek it!

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Bridging the Divide: 3 Strategies

Outrage.

As I listened to people react to the Trump supporters storming the Capitol in Washington, I witnessed outrage. In their tone of voice, in their facial expressions, and in the question-statements they made. Can you believe this happened? Can you believe this president? Can you believe these people?

I can. I can believe it.

The invitation to revolt against the idea of a rigged election has been promoted across the internet, within the extremist groups, and by the president himself. It has been demonstrated in the great divide within our country for years now. Promoted by a sophisticated system of disseminating information that speaks to the insecurity, anger, and elitism of many groups.

Creating an enemy in plain sight.

It’s just that the enemy is a complex, shifting target. It may be the Democrats. Or people of color. Or immigrants. Or liberals. Or police. Or policies. Or Republicans. Or anyone who doesn’t agree with me. And on it goes. Outrage. Judgment. Seething anger. Violent action.

As I listened to people ardently against governmental control of freedoms, I heard the outrage.

About systems creating restrictions on their ability to keep a business open, to earn a living, and to make their own choice for health treatment. Can you believe these policies? These people? This manipulation? I can. I can believe it.

It’s not new.

This “us vs. them” divide has been impacting lives throughout human history. It’s complicated and built on systems of thought, social structure, racial inequity, economic policies, tribalism, and more. There’s so much more to it than the common person can understand. Yet, the common person already has a strong opinion and is easily placed within one side or another.

What side are you on?

That’s a serious question. And one that’s probably not to hard to answer. Take the insurrection at the Capitol for example. What side are you on? I’m sure you know. Looking at your reaction will let others know as well. When I looked at the images from the Capitol, I noticed something.

Outrage.

Within the crowd contagion effect, I witnessed righteous outrage. Splashed across the media, it was apparent in voices, on faces, and through body movement. Outrage fueled this disruption to the orderly democratic process. And alongside the outrage is fear which arose when witnessing chaos, violence, and the overwhelm of protective systems.

It is deeply disturbing.

I mean this at a very basic level. It is deeply disturbing to the human nervous system. As I listened to people express their outrage to me, I heard and felt an escalating disruption in their nervous systems. The heart beating fast as intense emotions were expressed. The breath shortening as the words tumbled out upon one another. Faster and more upset with every sentence. I witnessed (and felt) the same response when watching videos of the event.

I breathed deeply. Seeking my own regulation so that I might stay open.


Open to whomever was speaking. To the information that was flowing.

To a solution that was arising in the moment. I’m not at my best when I’m disturbed. If my physiology launches me into a fight or flight mode, then my survival function will guide my reactivity. I’ll launch into outrage or ostrich (a fear response of withdrawal or avoidance). I’ll express it or suppress it. Either way, I’m disturbed.

You can’t bridge the divide when you’re disturbed.

You won’t even consider this as an option. Yet, if you don’t go beyond outrage or ostrich, you’ll only polarize your position and prolong the war with the “enemy.” I don’t have any answers for the complicated mess we’re in as a country. I only ask what I may do in this moment to bridge the divide that is playing out in the world.

Here’s 3 things I’m doing to bridge the divide between “us and them.”

1. Soothe my system whenever I’m disturbed.

If my nervous system is dysregulated, I’ll react from my unconscious programming. I’ll fall into the divide rather than reach across the chasm. I’d rather respond with an open heart and let my higher wisdom guide my thoughts and actions. I believe that mastering self-soothing is an essential skill for living. My go to is the Self Soothe Strategy which is available on my home page. Download the booklet and guided practice (mp3) here.

2. Meet the “other” as an individual rather than a group or an idea. 


When you seek the commonalities with another, you’ll find them. Personalizing the other helps you see how you share so many aspects of living. The Greater Good Science Center offers the Shared Identity practice so you may find common ground rather than a battle ground. Access it here.

3. Soften my judgment.

I understand when I judge, I am feeling separate or threatened in the moment. I drop into connection with my own being, ground deeply within Pachamama (Earth), and open my heart to whomever or whatever I am judging. Then I seek the place in me that is threatened and I soothe that. This allows me to soften my judgement of another (or myself for being judgmental).

I’d rather be a lover than a judger.

I imagine that it will take a while to attain that position. I’m okay with that. I’m interested in shifting perspectives in order to discover that common ground between the humans who share this country.

How I choose to broadcast on social media (eg, this blog) seeks to enhance potential for perspective shifting rather than taking sides.

Read more about how important that can be in the Heartwarming News below.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Pinker, author of The Better Angels of Our Nature, argues that the printing press may have had an important role in increasing levels of empathy. Making it possible to read stories framed in the perspective of others. He even speculates that some literature written from the perspective of black slaves may have been instrumental to the abolition of slavery. In current time, the use of many social media platforms seem to encourage the taking of sides more than exploring the perspective of others. Learning more about the lives of those who think, act, and live differently from you increases the potential for understanding and a true desire to find common ground.

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Oh Holy Night. A Meditation.

The Light is upon you.

Like the star on the tree in the photo above. The purest energy blazes as the brightest light among so much light. Available for you. Available for all. Sometimes an image serves as decoration. Other times, it brings an invitation.   

Your capacity to engage the Light is enhanced during the holy days, the solstice, and appearance of bright heavenly planets. 

Amidst the preparation for time spent alone or with family and friends, you may take a few moments to call upon this Holy Light with this simple meditation. 

Settle into stillness as you breathe with eyes open, tuning into this image. 

Breathing deeply, you close your eyes and hold the image of this bright star above your own head. Let it pulse there while you notice your body and enjoy the stillness.  Relaxing more with every exhale and joining your energy with the light of Pachamama (Mother Earth).

I’m left with a sense of deep appreciation for these snowy lessons.

Open your heart, deepen your breath, and call down the Holy Light. Sensing the Presence flow gently through the top of your head and cascade down your body. The Light moves with the breath, naturally and easily. 

Every cell opens to the pure love offered from this Star Light. 

Enjoy the quiet moments while you inhabit your body, pulsing with this Divine Energy. The breath carries the Light.  The Light carries the healing potential of Love. Allowing this energy to inhabit every cell, you brighten. 

When you embody this Star – this Holy Light – you brighten this world.

Sharing the pure energy of Love is as natural as breathing. So you breathe with the intent to flood the world with Light. With every inhale  you draw down Star Light. With every exhale, you radiate Love to the planet.

Offering nourishment to one another. Every other. Everyone. 

I am wishing you the fullness of Love this holiday season. However, this time is showing up for you, may your heart open to what is within you. That absolute loveliness of your light filled nature. May you know peace within this stillness and within this Light.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

A one minute meditation is good for your Soul. And your body, mind, emotions, and energy. The benefits of meditation for wellbeing at every level has been well documented. In busy times, more meditative moments – even when done in tiny increments – may be the perfect holiday gift. For yourself and for those around you. 60 seconds. Close your eyes and breathe as you invite your body to relax. Listening to the silence or the noise, your only focus is breathing and settling within your body. Soothing your nervous system opens your heart and clears your mind. Inviting you to return to day with greater clarity and peace.

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Snowy Lessons

A blanket of snow covers my town, adding a loveliness to the day.

And a stillness that invites me to sit and look out the window. To gaze upon the brilliant white lawn scattered with prints of the deer enjoying their leisurely morning commute. Stopping to snack on my bush, as if I planted the garden for their pleasure.

The trees shake with the wind, breaking free from the snow.

I see how this dance not only protects the trees, but prepares for the wrapped lights to brighten the night when it arrives. My ears perk at the sound of the birds, pulling my eyes to the feeder.

There is a calmness to the hustle and bustle with a steady stream of feathered visitors.

As if an invisible air traffic controller guides the pattern. Alighting on the tree top and moving down the branches until the way is clear. There’s room for 5 birds at a time in this system. Rotating tiny flying machines, some wrapped in red, eat their fill and lift off to destinations unknown. Even the ground crew is busy at work. Sometimes a chipmunk, other times my dog.

Taking turns and wasting nothing.

The stillness awakens a lightness of being as my breath settles me within my body. It’s a pleasure to sit still and look. This mostly quiet world tells me stories of partnership and beauty. Cooperation and kindness. Survival and creativity.

An entire library in my backyard.

A breeze gusts the snow in a swirling pattern. Upward and outward. Light as a snowflake. Heavy as a blanketed lawn. Gazing at this natural landscape, feeling the warmth and beauty within my home, I reflect on this pandemic holiday season. The sweetness and grief. The gain and the loss. The lightness and the heaviness. The disappointment and the celebration.

I’m left with a sense of deep appreciation for these snowy lessons.

To witness the intimate, interdependent nature of life. To recognize the benefit of the art of giving and receiving. Far beyond a wrapped present from a store, it is the sharing of love that makes a holiday. And a life.

Love dances through my backyard amidst the blowing, flying, and shaking.

Without a focus upon the giver and the receiver, it becomes one magnificent movement. There’s no telling where Love begins and where Love ends. Perhaps that’s the greatest lesson of all. No beginning. No ending.

Just Love swirling about. Creating all things bright and beautiful.

May your holiday, however it is celebrated, be a blessing to your life. And may you realize in your moments of stillness how deeply you are enveloped in this movement of life.

Giving and receiving. Dancing within the complexity of it all.

Thank you for your generous gifts throughout the year. Your presence in Soul Sanctuary and online. Your gifts and donations for Love Orphanage and SisterHood. The privilege of sharing space with you in person and virtually.

It’s a wonderful thing, this Life, and I’m grateful to be sharing it with you.

2021 is almost upon us. I hope you’ll join me for the virtual Sacred Intent Retreat on Saturday, January 9th. Let’s discover your Soul’s intent for this New Year. I’m looking forward to the magic we’ll create together. Please sign up soon as we’re limiting our retreat space to 20 women.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Food banks offer dignity and support with home delivery. Since the pandemic began, utilization of Feeding Children Everywhere’s services has soared, from 40,000 households in 2019 to 61,000 this year. Many people have felt too self conscious to head to the food bank. But with jobs lost and families hurting, innovation makes getting food and honoring families possible. Imagine the power of a service similar to Instacart or Amazon delivery harnessed by a nonprofit food bank. Kudos to Feeding Children Everywhere. Let’s not forget our neighbors in our communities. However you help out, do consider the benefit of giving … and receiving. 

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Seeking Beauty amidst Holiday Upheaval

Holiday music seems strange this year.

As if the holly jolly bustle is a distant memory. In the absence of large family gatherings, shopping sprees, and holiday parties, the world is quieter. Perhaps this is why it took me by surprise when I heard the holiday music in the hair salon. Christmas was coming.

I heard this musical invitation to meaningfully prepare for this holiday.

The world is different so it makes sense that this holiday will be different. I’m using this awareness as a springboard into meaningful action. Preparing for the dark, colder winter, I’m interested in creating light, warmth, and comfort in my home. To bring cheer into my environment in a way that looks and feels beautiful.

Decorating my home for the holidays became an act of love rather than a routine change in decor.

The outdoor lights were different this year as new tiny bushes replaced the old. Inviting a discussion about how to create beauty and pleasure outdoors. To bring light to the night in a conscious way. And celebrate the loveliness of a simpler presentation.

Our family gift giving shifted this year to a pollyanna as the “kids” had grown up.

Another change. Reflecting the transformations our world is going through. Thanksgiving heralded the tiny family gatherings, connected briefly by ZOOM. I noticed the light, warmth, and enjoyment represented by each square on my computer.

I sensed plans for Christmas following the same path.

Sprinkled with the appreciation of togetherness while we are separate. The comfort of sharing time, love, and pleasure with those in the room. Even when alone. Zooming cheer to those further away.

I sought the beauty beneath the expected commercial promotion of the Christmas holiday.

I saw how decorations, parties, and gifts honored the connections between friends and family. Offering lovely traditions and meaningful time spent together. Increasing the warmth within and between us. With the simplification of holiday activity, the presence of love and gratitude emerges powerfully through conscious sharing and caring.

The natural brilliance emerging from heartfelt connection outshines the artificial lights of the season.

Inviting us to go deeper within to commune with the Light that is alive in our hearts. Breathing with the energy of Love and the consciousness of the Christed One which flows to, through, and from us. This Light which honors and welcomes all traditions with all of their trimmings.

Beauty, warmth, comfort await us when dropping into the embrace of this Light.

Reminding us to view the twinkling lights, cheery music, and rituals of gathering and giving as an outward expression of this love. To welcome the quiet simplicity of my moments and intentionally refrain from the busyness of past holidays.

In the midst of all this upheaval, kids still expect Santa to come.

That’s why I’m collecting toys for the SisterHood families this year. This is the 20th year that friends, families, and communities have gathered with me to provide holiday gifts.

20 years. That’s a wonder in and of itself. The parents served by SisterHood in Burlington City are the working poor or the grandparents raising grandchildren on a fixed income.

I don’t know what it’s like to live with such scarcity. Another reason to be grateful.

I do know what Reverend Hilda, founder of SisterHood, and her volunteers report to me about the positive impact of the gifts we deliver. The feedback is mostly about the parents’ relief and gratitude.

Tremendous relief and tremendous gratitude.

It’s full of stories of how they feel cared for by a community of people they’ve never met who offer their children quality gifts. Not cheap dollar store trinkets, but toys that last. Toys like peers at school receive. Peers who aren’t living on the edge.

Anonymous giving offers the parents the choice to both play Santa and to give a gift to their child.

Choice offers respect for these neighbors who are making their way in the world. I don’t know the 250 kids who are served by our community’s giving. I trust their parents and grandparents know just what to do with our donations.

I love the idea of gifting respect, relief, and choice to the parents of SisterHood.

This year, I’ve learned from Reverend Hilda that many organizations are not gifting due to COVID. We’ve always been the largest donor to SisterHood’s holiday gift drive. Perhaps this year is more vital than the past 19 years.

Everything is rearranged this year, so it makes sense to do things different.

There are two ways to donate.  You may drop off gifts to Soul Sanctuary or donate money and I’ll shop for you.

Sidewalk drop off dates:   Monday, December 14th & Wednesday, December 16th.  11am – 7pm.  Drop off new toys and gifts for ages 1 – 15. 

Soul Sanctuary is closed these days, but I’ll be in there during those hours on video sessions. I’ll secure your gifts throughout the day.

Monetary donations: If you want me to shop, please gift all donations by Friday December 18th.  Reach out to me if you need details.

We are delivering to SisterHood on Sunday, December 20th, so Friday 12/18 is an absolute deadline.

I deeply appreciate your support and thank you on behalf of SisterHood staff, volunteers, and parents.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Urban forests are in danger. Losing an average of 36 million trees per year. A pilot program from the US Forest Service and Vermont’s spatial analysis lab created a sophisticated land cover mapping system overlaying tree data with city data. In Baltimore, temperature, crime, and use of heat or air conditioning reduced when the tree canopy increased! Monitoring the health of existing trees as a city investment and new plantings may help cities can recover urban forests, decrease energy use, and save millions of dollars.

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Quiet Gratitude

Thanksgiving is here.  So is the gift of choice. How you celebrate, where, and with whom. 

In this time, with this virus, the choices are different. And the impact on your way of living and relating is great. I’m witnessing the loss, disappointment, loneliness, and fear that is present.

And the courage, resilience, and strength in the human capacity for adaptability. 

As I listen to the world, I hear your conversations that focus upon what was lost and speculation of when it will be returned. I listen to my own thoughts that echo that approach.

It seems that the benchmark for living, even in the midst of upheaval, remains the way of the past.

This framework of your life is familiar and, like most of us, you depend greatly upon familiarity. It is built into your survival system and allows you to move through your day in a habitual manner. This is an effective and efficient way of expending your mental, emotional, and physical energy.

Yet, life is inviting a different response by necessity.

It is a chance to reevaluate what is meaningful and how we connect with one another. I hope you don’t miss this invitation by trying to figure out how to celebrate Thanksgiving like you did before … with COVID adaptations.

I hope you see the new possibility. Even with all the disappointment and discomfort of this newness. 

 

Every moment, when lived with awareness, offers a choice of how to engage this life. To explore how to enter the intimacy of living within your body, relating to those around you, and choosing how you approach your moments. And your holiday. 

I hope you can settle in and enjoy moving more slowly. 

To reflect upon the goodness of your life and the simple pleasures of living. In the slower, quieter movement throughout the day, there is a natural invitation for reflection.  It’s larger than sharing your gratitude before a turkey dinner. Although that is quite lovely. You have the opportunity to sit within the invitation of gratitude to see, feel, and experience its presence in your daily life.

Life is mostly quiet now. Granting opportunities for silence and slow movement.

I feel a deep, abiding gratitude for these quiet moments. For this disruption to all things normal so that I can see and feel what is here within me, around me, and between me and the world. I’m aware of how much I’ve missed in the scheduled movements of my life. How busy I’ve been attending to my life and how much living I’ve overlooked.

As the stillness beckons, I am pulled away from the need to attend to the noise of the world.

What emerges is the richness of simple actions. Like walking my dog as the sun sets lower in the sky. Feeling the wild wind whipping my hair. Hearing the leaves crunch beneath my feet. Surrounded by the dark, tangled wood with just a hint of the outline of a doe and her child. I stop to connect and chat a bit. Mother to mother.

The night is quiet. The trees are dancing.

Darkness is not yet broken by the light of the moon, yet graced occasionally by sweeping headlights. What a gift to walk out of my door into this tame wilderness. 

Entering the warmth and light of my home, I feel complete. Blessed. Grateful. 

I wish you deep stillness during this holiday weekend. I hope you feel the connection with yourself and the wonder of your life. May you you seek meaningful connection. With your memories, your socially distanced guests, your ZOOM or phone conversations.

I hope you consider who may be in need of connection and reach for them with love.

I hope you feel the gratitude for the ease in which you live, even in the midst of great difficulty. And for everyone who has contributed to your wellbeing in those tiny and huge ways.

May the essence of Gratitude be your companion not only on Thanksgiving, but in every moment of your life. 

Thank you for every way you contribute to this wonder of a life. So that I may benefit from your presence. So we all can. 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

German researchers explored the question “What are your personal strategies for happiness?”  Two primary strategies, personal and social, emerged. They found that people who set personal goals, like getting a better job or staying healthy, didn’t budge on the happiness meter. Whereas those with social strategies like spending time with family and friends or volunteering not only followed through, they reported increases in happiness. Social connection is consistently identified as an important factor in well being. Social connection doesn’t have to be in person, but it does involve people! Reach out and let others reach in. 

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The Generous Friendship of Trees

I turned off the car, took one conscious breath, and sat a moment.

Finding a space of peace within as I let my busy mind and active body settle from my morning.  Silently, I breathed away those thoughts which competed for my scattered attention.  Encouraged by my newfound peace, my eyes focused on what stood before me. 

A beautiful tree of red situated next to a smaller tree of yellow. 

Such beauty in these Fall colors! They had not been present last time I parked my car before them.  Or had they?  I didn’t know.  So often racing from one space to another.  I didn’t notice them yesterday, but these delightful colors were definitely present today. 

I breathed in appreciation of the artistry dancing in the breeze before me. 

My eyes slowly wandered to the left and took a moment to process the mix of colors around me.  A beautiful holly tree with glistening green leaves.  So vibrantly alive.  These sturdy green leaves reflected the light as if diamonds had taken a pause in flight to wink at me.

I couldn’t help but noticing how generously the natural world shared beauty, diversity, and support.

Woven into the green holly leaves were splashes of red. The branches of the neighboring tree had come to visit, rest, and share in the beautification of this tiny patch of nature.  I wondered if the red leaves understood the holly’s desire to adorn herself. Or if it was a beautiful friendship where the holly enjoyed both the brilliant red leaves and the stark naked branches of her neighbor.

I don’t know how long I sat there. Creatively exploring the intent and friendship of the trees before me.

 

Smiling, I realized that this decorative gift of red was to be repaid in time.  Day after day the red leaves would flutter in the breeze, leaving branches of brown unadorned.  No longer offering a gift of color to the holly, roles would reverse as the receiver became the giver. 

Throughout the winter, the vibrant holly tree would cradle the naked branches and adorn them with leaves of green and diamond lights. 

I figured then that the sun and breeze conspired to dance this model of reciprocal giving.  So its graceful movement and reflecting light might catch the fancy of a distracted driver who parked before it. 

Inviting her to take a breath, enjoy a moment of stillness, and feel a deep sense of peace.

Such a generous lesson before me. One that had been missed over many, many years of parking in that spot. Funny thing.  In the days that followed, I found generous weavings of red, orange, brown, and green everywhere I went.  When I was distracted by mindless, unimportant thoughts, dancing forests, alive with color, reminded me to  breathe deeply. To open my eyes to the gifts of beauty, generosity, and magical light existing everywhere.

Reminding me to share my beautiful light with others.

To dance in harmony with others across all seasons. With all manner of support. Sometimes giving. Sometimes receiving. Always grateful for this generous exchange.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Urban forests are in danger. Losing an average of 36 million trees per year. A pilot program from the US Forest Service and Vermont’s spatial analysis lab created a sophisticated land cover mapping system overlaying tree data with city data. In Baltimore, temperature, crime, and use of heat or air conditioning reduced when the tree canopy increased! Monitoring the health of existing trees as a city investment and new plantings may help cities can recover urban forests, decrease energy use, and save millions of dollars.

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Keep Going On

Today, I wanted to send you encouragement. And love.

I didn’t need to add more advice or opinion to your inbox. There is plenty of helpful guidance out there for managing election stress. And I believe you are wise at your core and know how to care for yourself.

Turn down the outer noise. Tune into your inner wisdom. Okay, that’s done.

I wanted to send you my prayer today. The prayer I sat within all day yesterday. I wondered how to turn that peace into words. How to hold the steady focus on the deepest love while acknowledging the confusion, anxiety, grief, anger, and loss.

I wanted to sing you a song of encouragement. And love.

 

To recognize the shit show we’re living in. And acknowledge how very hard it is. How very brave you are. And how creatively you are managing this time. And how I am with you in it. Deep within it all.

I couldn’t quite find the words. Strange, I know. But, it was so quiet within.

And then words came to me through a source so perfect, so beautiful, so creative, and so joyful, that I had to share this song with you.

It’s not my song. It’s the Bengsons that will guide you forward with their Keep Going Song.

How did they know my prayer for you? How did they sing the thoughts that had not yet surfaced to my lips? I am enamored with their talent. And their hearts.

I hope you listen and feel the encouragement.

And the love with a sprinkle of delight and wonder.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

The power of a heartfelt visual message does wonders. Especially during isolation and the separation from the human need to gather with one another. Seeing a smiling face lights up the mirror neurons in your brain. Encouraging the feel good chemicals to jazz up your system. Hearing a friend’s voice or a family member’s concern warms your heart and brings you back into connection.  Human connection is essential for wellbeing. While hugging and hanging out in person isn’t viable, video is a great way to connect when you share your voice, smile, and expression of love.